LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - September 14, 2010) - In 1966, celebrity comedian Jerry Lewis introduced an entire generation to muscular dystrophy with the longest running telethon fundraiser. "But, young people have never heard of Jerry Lewis," says Darius Weems, a Georgia native of the Athens projects born with the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) genetic disorder. Weems, determined to raise awareness, has touched today's youth with "Darius Goes West, a documentary that traces the real-life journey of a 15-year-old as he and his crew travel west in hopes of participating on MTV's "Pimp My Ride" TV show. Rather than dwelling on his fatal disease, Weems, with the help of eleven young friends, has documented a courageous trek. "Darius Goes West" has won awards from 28 independent film festivals, has been viewed by millions, and raised much-needed funds for DMD research.

On Saturday, October 2nd, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas will present the Darius Goes West Charity Poker Tournament, hosted by Darius Weems and his talented crew, along with professional poker players Bryan Devonshire and Gavin Smith. A red carpet walk and silent auction will start at 4PM. The no-limit Texas hold'em tournament will start at 5PM. The cost to enter the tournament is $200 + $20. There will be unlimited $50 re-buys available during the first three 30-minute levels and a one-time $50 add-on for twice the starting stack. Fifty percent of the initial buy-in, combined with generous product donations, will be distributed among money winners. Fifty percent of the initial buy-in, re-buys and add-ons, along with general event proceeds, will benefit DMD research.

For more information, tournament structure, prizes, and seat reservations visit http://www.dariusgoeswest.org/. The Darius Goes West charity poker tournament is a GreasieWheels production.

About Darius Goes West
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the number one fatal genetic disease to affect children in the world. Experts are in agreement that Duchenne could be treated or cured in the not too distant future. The primary goal of the Darius Goes West foundation is to catalyze that effort. The continuing story of Darius Goes West, his crew, and the tens of thousands of supporters they have met along their travels can be experienced at http://www.dariusgoeswest.org/. This website is continually updated with short videos, blog posts, and innovative initiatives that aim to affect a cure for DMD.